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English 102 Spring 1998 Course Description  "English 102 is a course in the process of writing extended essays supported by research. The course includes an introduction to library use, research techniques, and conventions of documentation as well as practice in critical reading, thinking, and writing across the disciplines. Students can expect to do a series of shorter writing assignments leading to the longer, documented paper."--MSCD Course Catalog Course Objectives Using the library as a means to further lifelong learning; Using bibliographical tools to locate sources of information; Selecting, evaluating, and using library resources on a variety of topics; Using and documenting Internet resources; Using the computer as a composing tool; Doing college-level critical reading, observing, and thinking; Writing a discipline-based paper addressed to an intelligent lay reader; Avoiding plagiarism as intellectual dishonesty.  Required Texts There will be no required text for this course with reading material; however, I strongly recommend you consider purchasing the MLA 4th edition Guide to Writing Research Papers or a usage handbook that includes updated documentation information. Instead of a text, you will use the web to find information and to read about items of interest to you. During the first three weeks, you will do intensive topic research in current events.  Assignments Assignments are weighted as follows:  Research Reports--25% Assignments--25% Papers--50% Research Reports--25%: You will complete weekly research reports consisting of five to seven questions posted each week relating to your research topic.  Assignments--25%: You will have an assignment each week to complete and will be posted by 10 a.m. each Monday. You will have until the following Monday to complete the assignment. These assignments will help assess you as a writer and a researcher. In addition, many of your assignments will require a team effort with your writing.   Papers--50%: You will write several short papers and one longer researched paper during the semester. Papers need to be submitted by 5 p.m. on the due date. Individual paper assignments will be posted shortly. If you do not have access to Word Perfect 6.1 or Word 6, you will need to deliver hard copies to my office.   Paper #1--Archival Research (3-5 pages)--February 11/February 20 Paper #2--Research Proposal (1-2 pages)--March 6 Paper #3--Annotated Bibliography (20 sources)--April 6 Paper #4--Research Paper (10-12 pages)--April 22 Paper #5--Revised Research Paper (10-12 pages)--May 6   Return to top  Course Policies   Late Work--In order to receive credit for written work, it must be submitted on time. I will not accept late papers. Assignments and research reports that are submitted late will receive partial credit. You will need to have your writing team respond to your paper before you submit it to me; therefore, you need to get materials to me in a timely fashion so I can get them posted on the class page. Disabilities--Students desiring a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act must contact the instructor immediately to discuss their needs. Failure to notify the instructor, in a timely manner, of the need for a reasonable accommodation may hinder the college's ability to assist students in successfully completing the course. Religious Holidays--Students at MSCD who because of their sincerely held religious beliefs are unable to attend classes, take examinations, participate in graded activities or submit graded assignments on particular days shall, without penalty, be excused from such classes and be given meaningful opportunity to make up such examinations and graded activities or assignments provided that advance written notice that the students will be absent for religious reasons is given to faculty members during the first two weeks of the semester. Withdrawal Policy--The last day to obtain an NC (with instructor signature) is 6 April 1998.